Palm Bay digital artist Jesse “Jackson” Kunerth joins an exclusive roster of Florida artists who were chosen to design the official poster for the Coconut Grove Arts Festival.

At a reception at Hotel Arya Coconut Grove Thursday evening, Kunerth’s evocative commemorative image for this year’s 57th annual event was unveiled.

“His image is a stunning take on Coconut Grove as we know it to be today,” said Monty Trainer, president of the Arts Festival.

Kunerth’s image offers Coconut Grove’s skyline, its waterfront and sailboats on the top half of the poster. The bottom half, designed as a map of the 305, has palm trees and neighborhoods depicted. “The blue colors reflect the water while the orange and yellow highlights the tropical climate associated with the Grove,” organizers said in a media release.

Kunerth, a graphic designer turned full-time artist, grew up in Orlando and said his art is inspired by his love of photography, travel and design.

“I love being able to create art inspired by my travels around the country and putting my take on what a city or place means to me,” Kunerth said. “Each of my pieces is personal and has a special meaning to me. I avoid doing any reproductions which enables my work to always be fresh and constantly evolve.”

Kunerth joins the festival’s group of official poster artists that have included Guy Harvey, Maria Reyes Jones, Jacqueline Roch, Xavier Cortada, Clyde Butcher, Rick Garcia, Lisa Remeny, Alexander Mijares and Romero Britto.

LINK TO ORIGINAL ARTICLE: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/coconut-grove/article239757403.html